How To Install a Kitchen Sink Faucet

Installing a new faucet in your kitchen makes a great DIY project for your home and is not as hard as you might think. Since the steps for installing a faucet may vary depending on your model, be sure to follow the instructions that came with it.

Replacing a kitchen faucet is a three-step process that involves:
(1) Removing the old faucet, (2) Cleaning the sink, (3) Installing the new faucet.

Tools and Materials

Tools Needed

• Utility knife
• Two adjustable wrenches
• Pliers or basin wrench
• Putty knife
• protective eyewear or goggles
• Flashlight or work light

Materials Needed

• Kitchen faucet
• Hot and cold supply lines
• Plumber’s putty (optional)
• Baking soda or cleanser
• Old toothbrush or scrub brush
• Towels, sponge, and bucket

How to Remove a Faucet

Step #1: Clean out the cabinet under the sink to allow room to work.

Step #2: Turn off the water supply to the faucet at the cut-off valves under the sink, then turn on the faucet to see if water has stopped flowing. If the water lines under the sink do not have cut-off valves, turn the water off for the entire house at the water meter or where the main water line enters the house in the basement.

            Cut-off valves under sink.                 Hold down nuts and supply lines.

Step #3: Undo the water supply lines to the faucet by turning the nut counter-clockwise. Use two wrenches, one to keep the cut-off valve from twisting and the other to turn the nut that secures the supply line.

Step #4: Unscrew the hold down nuts under the countertop that secure the faucet in place using adjustable pliers or a special basin wrench.

          Removing old faucet.

Step #5: Gently wiggle the faucet back and forth to loosen it.

Step #6: Remove the old faucet by pulling the water supply lines up through the holes in the sink.

Step #7: Scrap off any old putty from the sink with a putty knife, being careful not to scratch the sink.

Step #8: Clean the surface of the sink under and around the faucet holes using baking soda and an old toothbrush.

How to Install a Faucet

Step #1: If the base of your new faucet doesn’t include a rubber gasket to seal it to the sink, apply plumber’s putty to the sink under the faucet.

                                    New faucet base attached to sink.

Step #2: Install the faucet cover plate (if required) on the sink, making sure to center it on the sink. Tighten up the hold down nuts under the sink with pliers or a basin wrench. Do not over tighten plastic nuts.

Step #3: Mount the faucet on your sink, and tighten the hold down nuts using pliers or a basin wrench, being careful not to over tighten plastic nuts.

          Hold down nuts and supply lines attached under sink to new faucet.

Step #4: Attach hot and cold flexible water supply lines to the cut-off valves and faucet using two adjustable wrenches. Make sure the hot and cold supply lines are attached to the correct faucet lines.

  Sprayer hose counterweight.

Step #5: For faucets with a pullout sprayer, attach the counterweight to the flexible sprayer hose.

Step #6: Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet and set it aside.

Step #7: Turn on the hot and cold water at the cut-off valves and check under the sink for leaks. Use the wrenches to tighten up the fittings until any leaks stops.

Step #8: Turn on the faucet, and let the water run for a few minutes to clean any debris out of the lines.

Step #9: Turn off the faucet, screw on the aerator and you’re done!

Further Information:

Watch our video on How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet to find out more.

Scott Gray is currently a handyman enthusiast who enjoys providing tips to consumers and homeowners. For more information about do-it-yourself home improvements and tips for choosing the best cordless drills, be sure to visit his website at everydayhandyman.com.